Mapping the desealing potential of soils by coupling Multi-Criteria Analysis, GIS and AI: Nantes Metropolis case study (France)

Abstract. Desealing soils presents lots of benefits but also some risks. To take them into account in desealing strategies, a methodology was developed to map the desealing potential of soils in urban area. It is based on the use of a multi-criteria analysis (MCA) combined with a geographic information system (GIS). A set of 26 criteria were selected and divided into 4 themes: characteristics of impervious surfaces, soil infiltrability, environmental constraints, advantages/benefits of desealing. The scoring and weighting system was developed during workshops with technical departments from the Nantes metropolitan area (France), which served as a case study. Most sealed soils show a medium potential for desealing. High potential for desealing occur particularly in residential areas. Further tests are in progress to include additional social and legal criteria, as well as managing uncertainties.